Al Basma British School (ABS) is a private, co-educational British school in Al Bahia, north of Abu Dhabi city, with roots going back to 1980 — when it opened as Giggles English School — before relaunching as Al Basma British School on a purpose-built campus in 2014. It teaches the National Curriculum for England from the Early Years Foundation Stage through IGCSE and A Level (FS1 to Year 13, ages 3-18). Home to just over 1,500 students from more than 50 nationalities — over half of them Emirati, an unusually high local proportion for a British school — and taught by 118 teachers at a 1:12 ratio, it is rated Very Good by ADEK (with outstanding features) on a steady upward trajectory, and is BSO-accredited and a BSME member. Among the most affordable British-curriculum schools in the emirate, its campus includes a 25-metre swimming pool, dedicated STEM and AI labs and a sports hall.
British
FS1 – Year 13
+1
1980
Fees for 2025/2026, per year group. Excludes registration, uniform, and transport.
Official 2026/27 fees. Tuition excludes uniform and optional transport (AED 5,000/year, GPS-equipped buses). Among the most affordable British schools in Abu Dhabi.
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ADEK 2021–2022 inspection
The Early Years Foundation Stage, building communication, early literacy and numeracy through play.
National Curriculum for England across Key Stages 1 and 2, with dedicated STEM and AI provision.
Key Stage 3 followed by the two-year IGCSE programme. 2018 IGCSE: 55% achieved 5+ A*-C including English and Maths.
AS and A Level (including International A Levels). 2021 A Level: 41% A*-A, 65% A*-B.
Complete the online registration form and pay the registration fee.
Applicants sit an age-appropriate assessment where required.
Meet the admissions team and tour the campus.
Accept the offer and pay the deposit to secure the place.
Reach the admissions team directly to book a visit or ask about places.
Principal
Principal of Al Basma British School since July 2024; holds a Bachelor of Education and the UK's National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
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Al Houri Street, behind Deerfields Mall, Al Bahia, PO Box 45994, Abu Dhabi, UAE
